SPC receives funding to offer scholarships for students
Through the Florida Department of Education’s Open Door Grant Program, students at St. Petersburg College will be eligible for up to $3,000 in scholarships to earn certifications and credentials in high-demand industries including information technology, public safety and health care.
The grant program, launched by Gov. Ron DeSantis, is a $35 million statewide investment in the creation of a pipeline of workers trained through career, technical and adult education (CTE) programs. These workforce training opportunities provide students with the skills and credentials needed to fill in-demand, high-paying jobs.
SPC has received $696,303 through the state program. Funding will provide up to $3,000 in financial aid to eligible students and cover tuition, exam fees, books and materials.
“When students earn a credential from SPC, it positions them to reach new heights in today’s ever-changing workforce,” SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams said. “We are on a mission to change students’ lives and we thank the Florida Department of Education for investing in our students and moving them closer to high-wage careers.”
CTE programs serve as a critical component in preparing individuals for occupations important to Florida’s economic development. Program offerings are organized into 17 career paths and are geared toward middle school, high school, adult education, district technical school, and Florida College System students throughout the state.
The Open Door Grant Program was established to create and sustain a demand-driven supply of credentialed workers for high-demand occupations, fortify talent pipelines, expand affordability of workforce training and credentialing, and increase the interest of current and prospective students in CTE programs.
“The Open Door Grant Program represents our state’s continued commitment, and embrace of, workforce education,” said Kathy Hebda, Chancellor of the Florida College System. “At the department, we are proud to partner the awarded institutions from our Florida College System and district technical colleges to provide Floridians access to affordable and accessible career and technical education aligned to the current and growing needs for talent in the workforce.”
“I applaud the collaborative efforts of our workforce system, beginning with Gov. DeSantis’ championing of career and technical education,” said Henry Mack, Chancellor of the Division of Career, Technical and Adult Education. “This $35 million statewide investment will elevate our students through short-term, high-demand workforce training, of which will secure attainment of industry-recognized skills and credentials needed to begin transformational careers in our growing industries.”
To learn more, visit spc.edu/jobtraining or contact Dan Fumano at Fumano.Dan@spcollege.edu.
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This is a press release from St. Petersburg College. For more information, contact Rita Farlow, Executive Director, Marketing and Strategic Communications, 727-302-6526 or Marilyn Shaw, PR/Communications Coordinator, 727-341-4712.